Jason Solanki

Quadrus Reserva 2011, Doc Douro

Re-tasted Oct/2019. Score: 90 pts.

Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Souzao, this has an intense and maturing nose of pretty rose florals, dried cherry and sweet oak that continues on the medium-full bodied palate. Acids are bright and balanced tannins are resolving well. Notable woody notes on the flavour profile linger on the long finish. Tasted Oct/2017. Score: 90+ pts

Emiliana Amaluna Organic Brut Sparkling, Vegan, Traditional Method, Do Casablanca Valley, Chile

Blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. This has a pretty, medium-high intensity nose gives off a somewhat candied pear impression. The creamy palate is medium-full bodied with frothy mousse and more pear flavours in a dry profile. Nicely balanced with fresh acids and fine length on the finish. Should appeal to many. Tasted Mar/2019.

Domaine De L' Alba L' Ermite 2013, Ac Corbières

This blend of (60%) Carignan, (30%) Grenache, and (10%) Syrah is aged 6 months in concrete vats, followed by 6 months in French oak barrels. Plum and cherry aromas from the cork. An earthy, underbrush, clove nose of medium intensity gives way to brambly, cherry, violet, and spicebox aromas. It's medium-bodied with light, supple tannins that develop texture with air. Appealing on the palate with flavours of herbal, dark cherry, plum, menthol and spice. It has juicy acids, a smooth and silky mouthfeel, and very good length on the finish. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Tasted June/2016

Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2014, Pdo Naoussa, Macedonia

Medium-high nose featuring graphite, sour cherry and some woody aromas. The palate is medium-full bodied with chalky tannins that could use some cellar time, pleasing savoury aroma replays and good acids. The finish length is very good. Tasted May/2016.

Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Marlborough, South Island

Medium+ intensity nose has gooseberry, wild herb, green aromas that also come through on the palate with just a hint of sweetness. It has balanced acids and a medium length finish. Tasted May/2015.

Castello Di Gabbiano Riserva Chianti Classico 2013, Docg

Tasted Oct/2016.

Attems Pinot Grigio 2015, Igt Venezia Giulia

Medium-high aromas of nice floral and lemon notes. The medium-bodied palate has a lush mouthfeel due to partial barrel-fermentation with ripe flavours of tropical fruit, floral and lemon notes. Acids are gently balanced, while the finish length is very good. Tasted Oct/2016.

Flat Rock Riesling 2015, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment

The medium intensity nose offers citrus, tropical fruit, lime notes with much of the same in a balanced, medium sweet profile on the palate. Easy drinking Riesling with juicy acids and good length on the finish. Tasted July/2016.

Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2013, Clare Valley, South Australia

Medium+ intensity nose with aromas of raspberry, currant, and sweet spices. It's medium-full bodied with nice aroma replays and just a hint of sweetness that's tempered by lively acidity. Slightly chalky tannins. Hints of purple fruits on the long finish. Tasted May/2016. Score: 88+ pts

Les Vignerons Du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2013, Ac

Blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Carignan. Ripe raspberry, blackberry and kirsch liqueur on top of a layer of forest floor, and hints of sweet spice aromas from the glass. Medium+ bodied on the palate with plush, dusty tannins and flavours of blackberry, dark fruits, spice and earth. Acids are juicy. Fruit holds up well to the 14% abv. Long finish with just a touch of tannic grip. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Tasted July/2016. Score: 88+ pts